Chapter FiveThe Earl had a lantern with him and, while he lit the cabin with it, Lydia opened the door of the wardrobe and groped amongst the clothes for Heloise’s sable coat.
By the time she had with difficulty found it, Heloise was screaming.
“I am not going in a – small boat!” she cried. “I shall – drown in the s-sea! I want to s-stay here.”
The Earl did not speak and Lydia forced her sister’s arms into the arms of the coat as she said quietly,
“You will be quite safe, Heloise, everybody will look after you.”
“I will not go – I will – not!” Heloise shrieked and now her voice was completely hysterical.
Lydia looked towards the Earl.
“I think you will have to carry her, my Lord.”
Still without saying anything he handed her the lantern and picked Heloise up in his arms.
For a mome
